Top 5 Slot Machine Feature Trends
In the realm of casino gaming, manufacturers, both seasoned veterans and innovative newcomers, are revolutionizing the aesthetics, functionality, and overall experience of slot machines. The pursuit of creating the next groundbreaking gaming attraction is the ultimate objective. Over the past few years, following the pandemic era, there has been an unmistakable surge in the drive to enhance gameplay features and other facets that captivate players and pique the interest of casino operators. In this article, we delve into the most recent trends in the casino industry, as observed and reported by the experts at Velvix.
#5 – New and Re-Tried Themes (that work!)
Not too long ago, the mere thought of incorporating devilish imagery into game themes would have been met with skepticism. Slot machines centered around sports teams were considered a gamble themselves. The gaming industry has witnessed numerous ideas that were once dismissed, only to witness their triumphant resurgence in grander forms years down the line. Recent game releases have exemplified this phenomenon, achieving remarkable success. This success can be attributed not only to the captivating themes meticulously crafted by artistic teams but also to the ingenious features and concepts seamlessly woven into the gameplay. This leads us to the fourth entry on our list of industry highlights…
#4 – Random Bonus Features
Incorporating spontaneous bonus features that unpredictably emerge during standard gameplay has become a beloved trend in the casino gaming landscape. These unexpected bonuses have garnered an enthusiastic response from players who visibly revel in their appearance. Furthermore, the inclusion of anticipation animations and hidden surprises serves to extend gameplay, heightening players’ sense of progression with each exciting anticipation element encountered while playing.
#3 – Community Features
Players going to head to head for credits. Players collaborating for credits. Basically, anything that integrates game play amongst two more machines and gets players talking has become a new normal for game play. These community features help engage players and build excitement at full machine banks. Some of the more simplified features simply pit players against each other in a guaranteed credit win for everyone involved, where more complicated versions of these games have gone as far as to integrate RPG-style environments, where players work together towards a common goal whereby everyone has a chance to benefit and win.
#2 – Persistence Features One of the more popular current features on the list, it seems like this feature only continues to gain traction at each gaming show debut. These features include games with both true and perceived, with perceived persistence being one of the more trendy focus points for new game development. This feature offers players the illusion that they are collecting something and getting closer to a big win. We see this with everything from pigs to goldfish to firecrackers – all exciting the player and keeping them seated and playing longer to chase the feature.
#1 – Buy Bonus Feature
One of the newer features of which the jury is still out, the buy bonus feature allows players to immediately activate game bonuses without the need to trigger them naturally during the base game. Purchase costs are directly equal to the hit rate of the feature – i.e. the cost to trigger the same feature naturally, however the ability “WOWs” players and gives them instant gratification and the satisfaction in the event they either cannot or simply do not want to go about triggering the feature through standard gameplay. This is a great way for players to jump right into the feature without grinding through the base game.